The Gastwick Witch is a work of fiction in the historical fantasy and adventure subgenres and forms the second novel of The Orion Chronicles. The story is intended for the general reading audience and was penned by author R. L. Keck. Following on from the events of The God Stones, we find ourselves immersed in a multiverse where the battle for control rages alongside the dangerous historical background of 1864. Captain Matheson faces a new challenge when he and his crew discover the presence of Malefactors, a second set of powerful stones that could create universe-altering consequences if they’re left to reunite. A mysterious witch from 1795 with everything to lose holds the key to destruction, and she must be stopped at all costs.

This is another thrilling multi-dimensional fantasy adventure from author R. L. Keck that fans of his previous work won’t want to miss. Newcomers and series fans alike will find it surprisingly easy to dive into the complex plot and begin to follow Matheson and his crew through time and parallel worlds as they chase down Moira and the Malefactors. I found the battle scenes to be particularly epic, with their cinematic description and a fast-paced narrative that rockets you from one startling moment to the next. I felt that Moira’s character development was sharp and intelligent, making her an unlikely but highly formidable foe. Overall, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend The Gastwick Witch as a must-read fantasy adventure for fans of the current series and R. L. Keck to readers seeking a talented author whose highly imaginative stories they can fully lose themselves in.

The Gastwick Witch by R. L. Keck is a speculative supernatural time-travel novel and the second book in The Orion Chronicles, preceded by book one, The God Stones. In the first installment, a futuristic Earth has been depleted of its greatest natural resources and, in order to sustain energy when fossil fuels are no longer an option, an alternative source must be found. Captain Matheson of the British Navy does find a source but there's a catch: it exists in another time. His official mission is compromised, but not abandoned, when a shocking discovery is made that becomes a priority for Matheson. To take care of both he makes a deal with The Keeper that he is now obligated to repay. As Matheson and co. criss-cross timelines—and time between time—a new threat emerges, the Malefactors, who operate through the rejuvenate witch Moira. It is a race against time and powerful forces to get the relics, get to Point Zero, and save the world from its inevitable destruction.

I went into The Gastwick Witch without having initially read the first book, but stopped quite a way through and decided to read The God Stones before progressing any further. As a reviewer, I wouldn't normally do that but the story and the way R. L. Keck writes it are too good not to get the full cinematic experience. There are a couple of things that are unique to The Orion Chronicles that set it apart from a crowded genre. The first thing is that it is the very definition of a crossover genre series in how it starts in the future, which means full-scale mechanization with so much advancement that the entire planet is ensconced in anti-radiation tech. The fantasy elements kick in with magic and sorcery, supernatural in the stones themselves, and then the time travel that adds layer upon layer upon layer of intrigue and adventure. Some of the more complex explanations take a little paragraph re-reading but Keck spares readers from information dumps and the details come out in organic dialogue. The incredible climactic action scene about two-thirds of the way through between Moira/the Malefactors and Matheson/the Keeper is among the best I've read. It's fierce and emotional and all-engrossing, as is the rest of the story. There is a ton to unpack but it is so, so awesome when it all comes together, and I'm looking forward to seeing where Keck takes us next.